The iconic dialogue "Kuch Toh Gadbad Hai, Daya" instantly evokes the image of one man – Shivaji Satam, who became so synonymous with ACP Pradyumn that viewers began believing he was a real CID officer. Despite his extensive work in Hindi and Marathi cinema, it's this television role that defined his legacy. Born on April 21, 1950, in Maharashtra, Shivaji grew up in a crowded chawl with 15 family members, where his father worked as a mill labourer. His acting journey began serendipitously during a local Ganpati festival when someone pushed him onto the stage, awakening his theatrical instincts. Some excerpts from the interview- Father worked overtime to get me admitted to English school My father, though a labourer, made extraordinary sacrifices for my education. He admitted me in an English school and boarding school by teaching English to other children after hours. Recognising English's growing importance, he even taught himself the language. Our Sundays were dedicated to reading English newspapers aloud – a testament to his forward-thinking vision. 'When another artist took leave, I got the role' My breakthrough came unexpectedly when Bal Dhuri offered me a replacement role in his play. Though hesitant at first, friends encouraged me to accept. Despite stage fright facing a packed audience, I managed to deliver my performance. That moment marked the beginning of my unstoppable journey in acting. Got bank job because of theater My theater experience led to an unexpected opportunity at Central Bank of India through a unique Maharashtra government initiative. Got 500 rupees for first Hindi film
During my theater work, I started getting offers for Marathi films. After this, in 1988 I got my first Hindi film 'Pestonjee'. This film had important roles by Anupam Kher, Naseeruddin Shah and Shabana Azmi. I got this film through Vijaya Mehta. Vijaya Mehta was the screenplay writer of this film. Upon seeing him, the producer decided to make CID Lata ji was also sad when CID ended
When CID went off air, Lata Mangeshkar ji was also very sad. She really liked our show. She knew everyone who worked in CID by both face and name. She would often invite us over for meals. World record in CID's name, episode shot in single take
In 2006, CID set a world record in its episode. The entire team shot a 111-minute episode in a single take. It took 6 days of rehearsal for this. This is mentioned in the Guinness and Limca Book of World Records. Wife passed away at young age
At the end of the interview, Shivaji said, 'I have only one regret in my life. I kept climbing the ladder of success, but my wife is not in this world to see it. She left this world at a very young age due to cancer. I wish she could have seen my success.'Original Article